Evidence supporting the use of: Deer
For the health condition: Muscle Tone (lack of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Deer-derived products, particularly deer antler (also called "lu rong" in Traditional Chinese Medicine), have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in East Asia. In these traditions, deer antler is believed to "tonify the yang," strengthen bones and muscles, and support recovery from weakness or lack of muscle tone (hypotonia). The rationale is rooted in the doctrine of signatures and the observation of the animal’s vitality. Ancient texts and modern herbal medicine manuals describe lu rong as a restorative that can help with physical weakness, including diminished muscle tone in children and adults, especially in the context of chronic illness, aging, or developmental delay. However, scientific studies specifically validating the use of deer or deer antler for lack of muscle tone are limited and generally of low quality. Some animal and in vitro studies suggest possible anabolic or growth-promoting effects, potentially due to growth factors present in velvet antler, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most current use is based on historical precedent and case reports rather than rigorous evidence. Thus, while the practice is traditional and there is some low-level evidence for potential benefit, it is not considered scientifically validated.
Other ingredients used for Muscle Tone (lack of)
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
branched-chain amino acids
calcium
caterpillar mushroom
cissus quadrangularis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
fish protein
l-isoleucine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-leucine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
phytocannabinoids
potassium
sardines
black ginger
tongkat ali
Urolithin A
vitamin D
whey protein
atractylodes
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
camphor oil
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Aralia
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Banyan
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Casein
Chinese Silkvine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyathula
Chuchuhuasi
Creatine
Chicken
Deer Velvet
Egg
Ecdysteroids
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt